PSEG Urges Precautions Ahead of Coastal Storm

Residents are being urged to charge cellphones, secure outdoor objects and prepare emergency supplies ahead of a coastal storm expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and possible power outages to Long Island beginning Friday.

PSEG Long Island is also warning residents to stay well away from downed wires and always assume they are live. Never drive over a fallen wire or approach one, and avoid standing water because electrical current can travel through water.

Anyone using a portable generator should operate it outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents. Generators should never be used inside a home, basement or garage because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Peak wind gusts Friday evening into Saturday could reach 55 mph, strong enough to topple trees and bring branches down onto electrical wires.

PSEG Long Island said personnel are standing by to respond to outages.

“We continue to monitor this weather system and have performed system and logistic checks to ensure any customers who may be affected will have their power restored safely and as quickly as possible,” said Michael Sullivan, vice president of Electric Operations.

The utility cautioned that field crews cannot safely make repairs during periods of high winds, meaning some restoration work could be delayed until conditions improve.

Customers can report outages by texting OUT to PSEGLI (773454), through the PSEG Long Island mobile app or website, or by calling 800-490-0075.

Downed wires should be reported immediately to PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075 or 911.

Customers can also check PSEG Long Island’s MyPower map for outage locations, estimated restoration times and information on crews responding across Long Island and the Rockaways.